Chapter 11
The next day didn't seem to come too soon for William. Though it was only 7 AM, the day promised to be clear and rather warm so he dressed comfortably and overlooked his appearance.
Elizabeth said that this would be a long ride and might take good part of the day so he was anticipating spending a long time in her company. He was aware that he shouldn't be alone with her for so long, that this might encourage some expectations about him that would be out of place, but he just couldn't help it. He liked her, more than he wished (more than he considered safe), and the prospect of enjoying the wildlife with a lovely lady and being the whole day far away from George were too alluring to be ignored.
Mug in hand, he waited in the porch for her to arrive while finishing his coffee. He also prepared a small backpack with something to eat and drink in case there wasn't a place they could get something on their way. Not two minutes later, he saw two riders and three horses stop at the front gate. Anselmo is coming along. Much better, that way I won't be alone with her. With his thoughts running opposite to his feelings, he approached them and after a polite 'good morning' he climbed his horse.
"Here, I brought you a hat." Elizabeth handled him a straw hat with the local styling. It fitted him perfectly.
"There was no need, I brought a cap on my bag."
"A cap? No way! We'll make a good gaucho out of you. Next week I'll take you to the village and get you some nice 'bombachas'." She pointed at the trousers that she and Anselmo were wearing. "They are a lot more comfortable to ride in than jeans."
William looked dubiously. "They do look comfortable."
Elizabeth laughed. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll look very nice." That lovely backside of yours will be a delicious sight.
William just smiled.
They were riding to the east and the sun was still low on the horizon, and right in William's eyes. He was desperate to put his sunglasses on but realized that he would look like a stupid tourist riding on horseback with sunglasses and tennis shoes, with a straw hat on his head and sitting on a typical gaucho saddle. He just needed a camera hanging from his neck (he did have one in his bag) to look totally out of place. He lowered the tip of his hat to shade it and faced the sun bravely as did his companions.
As the ride was somehow long and Elizabeth didn't want to be exposed to the intense sun of the midday, they rode at a medium pace until they reached a road that was shadowed by ancient trees. Not too far away, they entered the first plantation Elizabeth wanted to supervise and, after she inspected the condition of the trees, they continued on their way.
William's Spanish was improving day by day. Though some expressions still were difficult to catch and needed a translation from Elizabeth, the ride was very amusing and they talked about the most unusual subjects. Sometimes Anselmo would stay allowing the couple some privacy, giving a rest to William's mind as the conversation proceeded in English.
It was not long before they reached La Serena. They entered the enormous plantation of poplars and willows and after a half an hour turn inside the interminable lines of trees, they headed to the river side. William couldn't hide his astonishment when they reached the place. The Paraná was a very wide river, with densely forested margins. The main difference between riversides was that while their side was artificially planted, the other one was an incredibly green natural forest with such variety of colors that would be impossible to describe it.
"Here we are." Elizabeth dismounted. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
William nodded and dismounted too.
"I'm hungry." Elizabeth dug in her bag as Anselmo took the horses and unsaddled them. "I brought some sandwiches. Let's eat."
"I brought something too." William handed her his lunch pack and now warm juice.
"Great." Elizabeth grinned and the three sat on some fallen logs to fill their starving stomachs.
Once satiated, they remained there relaxing and resting their rears from the long ride and soon Elizabeth excused herself to look at some plants (though William suspected that was on a 'nature call') and Anselmo went to attend the horses and give them water now that they had cooled off. William was left to himself for a while and he wandered by the riverside enjoying the view and taking some pictures. Then, feeling a little sleepy, he sat on a fallen tree and remained there for a while until he heard Anselmo coming. He stood up and turned to talk to him, but Elizabeth's voice of alarm coming from his right interrupted him.
"William, don't move! Anselmo, un yarará!"
Frozen to the spot, William witnessed how Anselmo retrieved the knife he always carried on his waist and in a fraction of a second, he threw it and buried it in a log next William's right foot. But it wasn't a log. When the knife sank in the still form, it immediately began to writhe and the yellow abdomen of a huge snake appeared. William's blood drained from his face.
With a yell of victory, Anselmo grabbed the tail of the waggling animal, pulled the knife out and in a swift movement, cut the head off.
Now William was feeling sick. His knees weakened and sat slowly as his legs failed to support him.
Grinning from ear to ear, Elizabeth came running and picked the decapitated reptile from the tail and raised it to the level of her shoulder to measure its length. Chopped head and everything, it almost reached the ground.
"Wow!" She said euphoric. "It's bigger than the one that killed Don Antonio!"
"Killed?" was all that William could manage.
"Yes. Yararás are very poisonous. They can kill a big guy like you in less than three hours!"
William gulped.
"I never seen one this big. It's fabulous!" William stared at her, still unable to understand why she was so enthusiastic about this. "Anselmo, remove the skin, I want a belt from this one," she said in Spanish.
"You are demented!" William released some of his adrenaline.
"Why?" She continued to grin.
"How can you be so happy about this and even want to make a belt out from this beast?" He was becoming annoyed. How could you be so wild?
"And deprive myself from the privilege of sporting around my waist the snake that almost killed Will Darcy? Never!" She answered resolutely.
William ran his hand through his hair and laughed nervously as his blood pressure returned to normal. "You are really insane. And a cold blooded savage."
Elizabeth nodded with a proud grin. Then she took pity of him and put a hand on his shoulder. "William, relax, yararás might be poisonous but they never attack without provocation. I don't think it was going to bite you, but you were just going to step on it."
William put his hand on her cheek and kissed the other. "You saved my life. Thank you."
"You are being melodramatic, but you are welcome."
They looked at each other for a while until William's expression changed and his eyes dropped to her lips. Elizabeth suddenly blushed and moved away.
"I'm going to see the horses." She left hastily.
Silently and deftly, Anselmo removed the snake's skin in less than two minutes. Once he finished, he gestured to William to come closer. William knelt by his side and, as if witnessing an old ritual, he observed how the old man folded the skin and cleaned the knife on the grass. Without saying a word, Anselmo carefully inspected the blade through narrowed eyes, searching for traces of blood. Then, very slowly, he cleaned it again on the sleeve of his shirt and addressed the expectant William without taking his eyes from the shining metal.
"Be careful. Don't hurt her," he said in an extremely even and clear Spanish while twisting the knife in his fingers in front of William's eyes.
William remained silent as the man stood up and left. Kneeling there on his own, he realized that he had just been seriously warned.
Chapter 12
The Bennet sisters didn't have much time to converse during the week, as both of them had been very busy at work. Jane was absorbed with the first balance of the company and Elizabeth had been preparing the new trees for the first transplant. That night they arrived home unusually early and had time to talk and watch some TV.
"Liz, I invited Charles to have lunch with us this Saturday. Are you going to be at home?
"Yes," Elizabeth answered as she chopped the onions. "I'll see the plantations early in the morning with the pick-up, so I'll be home by ten."
"Why don't you cook some gnocchi? We can invite William too. The only problem is that slimy friend of theirs."
"George?" Elizabeth made a face. "If you think so."
Jane tried to hide her smile but couldn't. "Charles asked me to go out with him tomorrow night." She said shyly.
"Well!" Elizabeth turned and put her hand on her hip. "So things seem to be progressing between you two. You didn't tell me what happened this Sunday when he came to drink mate with you."
Jane blushed and continued to prepare the salad. "Nothing happened. Well, nothing really serious, we conversed for hours and, well ... he kissed me when he left."
Elizabeth slapped her arm and grinned broadly. "And you didn't tell me! Jane, how could you!"
"We didn't have much time to talk these past few days and ... I really wasn't sure he would ask me out again so I preferred not to say anything."
"You sly thing. Where are you going tomorrow night?"
"He said he wanted to see a movie."
Elizabeth shot her eyebrow up. "You are not going to Encarnación's cinema, are you? There are fleas there and I believe they are still playing Titanic."
"No." Jane laughed. "We are going to Misiones. Just a twenty minute drive."
"With lovely and dark places to park." Elizabeth raised an eyebrow.
"Liz!" Jane pushed her away.
Charles descended the stairs, nervously rubbing his hands. William observed him from the couch, where he was reading the newspaper while listening to some music.
"Ready for the first real date, eh? You look as you are to face the inquisition."
Charles stopped in the center of the room. "Do I look that anxious?"
"Anyone that didn't know you well enough could say that your wife went into labor with your first child. You are sweating and today isn't even hot."
"Thank you, you are a great friend." Charles looked at him. "You know how to make me feel better."
William laughed. "Easy, Charles, there is nothing to be nervous about, it's just a date."
Charles walked to him and sat next to him, with his elbows on his knees. "Yes, I know that, but I really like her."
William folded the newspaper. "I know, and you will have a good time, just relax and enjoy it."
"Who needs to relax and enjoy?" George appeared from the kitchen and William's face immediately dropped.
"No one." Charles rose and walked to the door. "I have to go."
"Going out with that gorgeous body from accounts?" George asked with a sly grin.
"None of your business, George," William cut him off.
"Oh, by the way," Charles stopped before he left, "Jane invited us to have lunch at her house tomorrow, that includes you George."
"Great!" George dropped himself in the armchair next to William. "I'm dying to know how those pretty babies live. That Liz has an incredible body. Great arse."
William released an exasperated sigh, took the remote and turned on the TV.
"Stop there!" he begged as William began to scan the channels. "I love Baywatch, some of the girls are really hot." He paused, his eyes fixed on the screen. "Look at that one!" he leaned back on his seat. "I bet you those tits are fake."
William rolled his eyes and threw the remote on his lap. "Excuse me." He left making mental note to buy a new TV for his bedroom.
At 7.30 AM, Elizabeth was crossing the front gate and a jogging William came closer.
"Good morning! You fell from the bed pretty early."
"Well, it seems you too." He grinned broadly as he leaned on the window of her pick-up.
"I have to cook for you today so I'm going earlier to see the plantations." She blushed as she felt his agitated breath on her face. He smells of mint.
"Jane invites, you cook. Sounds a little unfair." He tried to control his breathing and blew a lock from his forehead.
"I love cooking. Especially when I have guests." She flushed even more.
Moved by an impulse, William smiled and squeezed her cheek. "I will not detain you then, I really look forward to it. Do you want me to bring some wine or dessert? I can buy some ice cream, if you like."
Why do I have to blush in this way? "No ... wine is okay, but I made an apple pie."
"Great, fine, we'll bring some wine. See you later."
"Bye."
"Well, how was that date?" Elizabeth asked Jane when she descended from her bedroom at almost 11.
"Fabulous." She grinned and blushed.
"That good? Tell me all about it."
"There is not much to tell. We had some dinner, we talked a lot, then we went to the cinema … just that."
"Jane, you returned at 4 A.M. Don't tell me that the movie was that long." She looked at her pointedly.
Jane blushed even more. "We talked for a long time after that, in the car."
"Talked." Elizabeth raised an eyebrow.
"Well, we used our mouths!" Jane laughed.
The sisters chatted enthusiastically about last night's date, without sharing many details, until they heard Attila barking at the front gate.
"Go and greet your Romeo, I have flour all over my hands," Elizabeth said as she rubbed her nose with the back of her hand.
Jane grinned and hurried to the door. She called the dog and just then the gentlemen were able descend from the Range Rover. As he was now more acquainted with Charles and William, Attila focused his attention on George, not allowing him to move until he had carefully sniffed him up, down and around. With a very unfriendly air about him, the dog walked one step ahead of George all the way to the house, interrupting his advance once, until Jane called him away.
"Nice dog." George's voice betrayed his fear.
"Hi, George. Attila, out!" Jane pushed the dog outside when he tried to block George's entrance. "Sorry, he never behaves this way."
"No problem." He released the breath his was holding as soon as Jane closed the door.
"Where can I leave this?" William looked around, with a bottle of wine in his hand.
"What?" Jane distracted her attention from Charles. "Oh, yes, the wine. In the kitchen, that way." She pointed. "Elizabeth is there."
William entered the kitchen and observed Elizabeth preparing the pasta.
"Hello."
"Hi." She looked over her shoulder and grinned.
He eyed her from head to toe with a crooked smile and kissed her cheek. She was wearing an apron over her little denim dress and her hands were white with flour.
"You look very domestic." He smiled.
"I am very domestic, in case you didn't notice it."
"What's that?" He pointed the tiny rolls as he left the bottle of wine on the counter.
"Gnocchi."
William raised his eyebrows. "Homemade gnocchi? I always ate them at restaurants. Seems a lot of work."
"No, not much. It's easy."
"Do you need any help?"
"Are you just being polite or are you avoiding George?"
William was offended. "You take delight in annoying me."
"Just joking!" She laughed. "I'm sorry, of course I'd like some help. Here," she handed him a fork, "twirl them on the fork, this way." She picked a roll and, put it on the fork and rolled it down with her thumb.
William was about to pick one when Elizabeth rubbed her nose, leaving a trace of flour on it. He observed the white spot on her nose and couldn't resist it.
"Allow me." May I lick that for you? He raised his hand and cleaned her nose without taking his eyes from hers.
"Thank you." She looked down and continued to twirl the gnocchi with a knowing smile.
The gnocchi were absolutely delicious and Elizabeth was thoroughly praised by gentlemen. She served William three times and he never thought he could eat that much. He declined the apple pie insisting he could not swallow anything else but he promised he would have a piece later, with coffee.
"Charles said you have a great lab here."
"Yes." Elizabeth grinned proudly. "Do you want to see it?"
"Of course." He rose after her. "George, aren't you coming?" William tactfully asked, wanting to leave Jane and Charles alone.
George was lazily spread out on the chair. "I ..." He faltered when he saw William's fulminating look. "Sure."
Elizabeth guided them through her garden to a big and old barn that was about 100 meters away from the house. William whistled in surprise when they were inside.
"This place is incredible." He looked around.
He had expected to enter into a dark and somber place but he was amazed with the luminosity that entered through the enormous windows on each side of the building.
"Beautiful, isn't it? My father converted an old barn into this. That way it's easier to control the weather conditions but it still has enough natural light for the plants."
They walked around and Elizabeth showed them some of the plants and explained them what kind of studies she was doing on each one. William showed great interest and asked many questions while George smelled the flowers carelessly. Then, they went outside to see a group of about 70 medium sized trees that were ready for a later transplant.
"These are orange trees," she said when they approached them. "My father began to work in developing this variety 20 years ago. They passed the tests in the lab and I'll plant them in the permanent site before the winter."
"20 years! That's a long time." William was surprised.
"Yes, and a lot of work. This variety is resistant to frost and some pests without losing the quality of the fruit. Actually, they are the sweetest and most juicy oranges I've ever tasted," she said proudly. "Dad tested them for a couple of years and they reacted well but unfortunately he died when the plants were just beginning to produce in an acceptable scale, so I continued with his studies, creating the weather conditions artificially in the small lab first and then here. We can have very frosty winters in this place and they were not affected. They are really very tough trees."
William was genuinely impressed. "Amazing. The orange juice industry is very extensive and makes billions of dollars."
George's ears immediately turned their way.
"Yes," Elizabeth replied. "They consume millions of gallons of concentrate only in the Unites States. An untimely frost can make their economy tremble in that aspect. Though this variety produces 5% less oranges per plant than the regular ones, you can be assured that you'll obtain a first quality crop under almost any weather condition."
"You could be rich if you place them in the U.S. market. They'll pay fortunes for a frost resistant variety."
"I guess so." Elizabeth led them to another group of plants. "But I'd like to test them under more extreme conditions for a couple of years and them produce trees for the local market. I'm not ready for large scale production."
"If you need an investor, I'm very interested." William's business mind began to work at 100 kilometers per hour. "Which region do you think would be more appropriate to grow them? We can buy some land in this country, it's cheaper than in the US and then export trees. That would be an alternative, or we ..."
Elizabeth laughed at his enthusiasm. "Wait! I'm still full time on your clones! I'll dedicate more time to the oranges by the end of this year and if you are still interested we can come to an arrangement."
William grinned. "You can count on it."
Elizabeth gave him a very bright smile. "Let's go back to the house."
They walked together and William put his hand on the small of her back as they conversed on their way back, completely oblivious to the third person in the party. George Wickham spent some more time looking at the orange trees and then trotted his way after the couple.
George reached them when they were about to enter the house and found a young girl with them.
"Lydia, you were supposed to come this morning," Elizabeth said to her in Spanish with a severe tone.
Lydia put her best innocent face and blurted out a poorly invented excuse for her tardiness, begged a million times for forgiveness and promised that it wouldn't happen again. Elizabeth rolled her eyes in exasperation, mumbled an OK and told her to begin upstairs so she wouldn't be intruding with her guests.
As soon as she was 'forgiven', Lydia's remorse disappeared and she immediately directed her attention to the unknown man-who was analyzing every inch of her body with leering eyes-and returned his stare cheekily. Ignoring what was happening behind them, William and Elizabeth entered the kitchen, and Lydia followed them after bestowing her most seductive smile to the man that was holding the door open for her.
Chapter 13
On the following week, Elizabeth and William hardly had time to see each other. Elizabeth continued with the initial transplant of the first clones and supervising the first cut for supplying the plant. For his part, William was immersed in the details of the final setup and hardly had time for anything else, so the couple only saw each other briefly at the Monday meeting.
William was in the corridor discussing some problems with the bank accounts with Charles and Michael Foster when he eyed Elizabeth approaching the vending machine. He feigned interest in Charles' observations as he tried to see her choice. Sensing she was being observed, Elizabeth looked up and found William watching her. She smiled and she acknowledged his presence with a nod. She picked up her yogurt and, after quick glance in his direction, she returned to the lab, forgetting her card in the machine. William noticed this and went to the machine to pick up it up before anyone noticed it.
Elizabeth was observing some test tubes and comparing samples when she heard someone entering her sanctuary.
"Mr. Darcy. What a surprise." She smiled.
"Hello." He looked around him. "This place is really neat."
"Thank you, I try to keep everything in place, otherwise it will be impossible to move in here."
"Hmmmm, well ... I ..." he rubbed the back of his neck. "When are the first clones to be planted?"
Elizabeth looked at him. "This week."
"Fine." His ears were pink. "And ... hrmmm ... how many?"
"Ten thousand. I told you on Monday, at the meeting," she said, amused.
"Yes, right ... I ... I know that." He shifted in his spot. "Here." He handed her the card. "You forgot your card in the machine. I have to go now. Bye." And he turned hastily and left.
"Bye." And she smiled as she realized that he had crossed all the office only to give back her card.
"Charles, what happened? You didn't sound pleased on the phone." William asked as he was defrosting something to eat in the microwave. He arrived late from the office that night and was starving.
"It seems that Doña Mirta had a domestic accident and won't be able to come to work for some time, she injured her back or something." Charles released an exasperated sigh.
"I think we'll need to find someone else. Can't she recommend anyone? Maybe you can ask Anselmo when he comes to fix the garden."
"What are you heating there?"
"I'm not sure, seems to be chicken with rice or something." William frowned.
"Do you want to go out for dinner? I really don't feel like defrosting something that Doña Mirta cooked a week ago."
"I share your feelings, after eating a couple of times at the Bennet's I realized that I can't eat this shit any longer. It's not that bad, but I'm tired of microwaves and tupperwares."
"Elizabeth cooks very well, doesn't she? She is a treasure. I told you." Charles smiled. "They are wonderful girls."
William tried to change the subject. "Yes, sure. We'll need a new house keeper, anyway."
"Doña Mirta said she will send Lydia tomorrow. She almost begged me to accept it because they need the money at home. I don't like the idea very much, especially with your excess baggage here in the house."
"He can't fall that low, Charles, she is just a maid, George might be a complete idiot but at least he has pretensions."
"Yes, but Lydia has a body and an attitude that can turn on a cadaver. You remember that day at Jane's house."
William laughed. "I remember how your jaw dropped when you first saw her coming."
Charles punched him on the shoulder. "And I remembered your face when she touched your leg."
"I'm in no mood to talk about domestic problems right now." William smelled what he had just heated wrinkled his nose. "Let's go to La Asamblea."
"I'll tell George, he must be watching Miami Vice or something of the kind. Do you mind if I ask the girls along? I've seen Jane only at the office these past few days and I really want to spend some more time with her."
"Then go by yourself, I wouldn't want to be a bother," William retreated.
"Don't be silly, Will, it's just dinner. We always have a good time when we are together, even ..."
"Who needs a good time?" George came from the living room.
William immediately turned his back to him and pretended to wash the dishes that were already clean.
"No one," Charles said seriously. "We are going out for dinner, do you want to come?"
"Sure. I'm hungry and I can't eat that merde any longer."
"I'll call the girls." Charles picked up the phone in the kitchen.
"Girls! I'm in need of action."
William closed his eyes and count from one to ten very slowly so not to surrender to the inner voice that said: 'kill him, kill him, kill him.'
"Jane? Hi, sweetheart." Charles's voice melted. "Have you already eaten something? No?" He paused. "Great. Do you want to come with us to dine at La Asamblea?" He waited for her response. "Don't worry, we'll return early, it's weekday." He paused again. "Fine, we'll meet you two there in fifteen minutes."
The girls arrived when William was locking the Range Rover. Jane brightened as soon as she saw Charles and Elizabeth lowered her eyes at the sight of William. George, as always, was looking at the backside of a girl that was passing by.
Charles kissed Jane's lips softly and held her hand as they walked inside the restaurant and William escorted Elizabeth, chastely touching the small of her back. For her, that hand was burning a hole through her shirt.
"Elizabeth, you look tired," William observed with a slight frown when they sat side by side.
"I am, I spent the day in the field supervising the workers. If you are not checking on them they can make a mess. We planted over 1000 trees today and I want 98% survival."
William repressed the urge to touch her face and comfort her. "This has been a very stressful week for everyone. We are too close to the deadline."
"I'm not tired at all," George said lightly.
That's because you wake up every day at 10 in the morning. "Lucky you," William said coldly.
"Maria gave me the invitations for the cocktail party today. She told me the Governor was coming," Jane said as their dinner was served.
"Yes, among other politicians and some press. The President was coming but then confirmed that he is not. A sudden trip or something," Charles replied.
"This is a major event for a little country like ours," Elizabeth observed. "Is it formal? I don't have anything to wear."
"Don't worry, just a plain cocktail. We'll cut ribbons, drink some champagne, nothing too elegant." William smiled.
"It's a pity that we missed the opportunity to make a big party," George commented. "It's time we have some fun."
"This is a manufacturing plant, George, not a fashion contest," William cut him off.
Elizabeth covered her smile with a napkin and William kicked her under the table.
"Anyway, I've lost the opportunity to dance with the most beautiful girls in this town," George smiled charmingly.
Both ladies flashed him their most false smile and continued to eat. With the exception of George, everyone seated at that table had the same thought. NEVER bring George for dinner again.
"Are you going out with Jane tonight?" William asked over his mug.
"Yes, we are going to Ensenada. She says it's a very nice and typical town. They have nice place to dance."
"You two are getting along pretty well."
"Yes. We are planning to spend a weekend together at the Iguazú Falls after the launch." Charles smiled dreamily.
William rose his eyebrows. "A weekend? Now things are moving faster."
"I love her, Will. I love her very much."
William slapped his back. "Then go to it."
Charles smiled and looked at his watch. "God dammit!" He jumped from his chair and walked to the door. "George! I have a meeting 8.30 and I'll be late if you don't hurry up!"
"He can't hear you." William growled. "He is in the shower and with the radio on, so it's useless."
"Let's go, I'll send someone to pick him up later."
"Right." William finished his coffee in one shot when someone knocked the door. "That must be our new 'housekeeper', I'll go."
William showed Lydia the way in and told her where she could find the cleaning stuff while she smiled stupidly. She answered that her mother explained her everything that she had to do and the men left hastily to the plant.
As soon as she was alone, Lydia immediately went to the living room, turned on the television and wandered around the house, touching and looking at everything. She walked up the stairs and peered into the bedrooms, curious to see how these rich men lived.
"Wow, what is that we have here?" George emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his hips.
Lydia gave him a seductive smile and addressed him in Spanish. "Sorry, señor, I thought I was alone."
George decided she was worth of the effort of speaking another language. "No problem, what is your name?
"Lydia." She eyed his body shamelessly.
He walked slowly to her and leaned his shoulder on the wall. "You are a very pretty girl." He traced the neckline of the blouse with his finger.
Sensing that this was a great opportunity to obtain fast benefits, Lydia didn't doubt it. "Gracias, señor." She ran her forefinger around his waist and hooked it in the towel.
"I think we can make some very good things together." George leaned against the wall, placing his hands on each side of her head.
"Lo que el señor diga. (*)" She smiled and pulled the towel off.
George pressed his body against hers and pinned her against the wall. He pulled her skirt up, moved her underwear to the side and they had sex right then and there, with no preliminaries or reserve, like two wild animals. Not satisfied in doing it once, they continued their loveless activities all around the house, practicing sex of the dirtiest kind, not even respecting the others' beds.
(*) Whatever the mister says.
Chapter 14
The following two weeks rushed for the staff of the Plant. As the launch came closer and they reached deadlines, difficulties had to be overtaken and everyone was too busy for social life. Anyway, Sunday lunch at the Bennets with or without George's presence was a must for Charles and William and the union that the group now possessed was beyond the usual for work mates.
Charles and Jane's relationship was progressing quicker than anyone had expected. Their love for each other was now evident and though it was still too soon to talk about marriage, they were fully convinced that their destiny was to be together. As for the other 'couple', the initial attraction was replaced by another feeling, much deeper and stronger, though neither of them knew for sure what it really meant. Elizabeth, convinced that a man like William wouldn't want a girl like her, accepted her fate and offered her unconditional friendship, doing her best to not be affected by his overwhelming presence. As for William, things were different. He was confused, as he had not been in a long time, facing sentiments that he wasn't able to decipher. Being a man scarred by betrayal and disappointment, he shut his heart to love and passion, preferring to understand his happiness and comfort around her as friendship and companionship and nothing else.
It was trying not to think about William that Elizabeth heard someone entering the lab without knocking.
She turned abruptly. "Oh, it's you."
"Hi, beautiful." George said charmingly. "Nice place!"
"What do you want?" She returned to the microscope, not at all pleased with his presence.
"Nothing important, I just brought you some papers. Just the extra hours of the people you hired to transplant the trees."
"Thank you. Leave them over there, I'll see them later."
George stood by her side and leaned his elbow on the counter. "This lab is very nice, not as the one you have at home but very nice indeed."
"Thank you."
"Your work is pretty interesting." He tried to get her attention.
"I like it."
"It's good to work in something that you really like. I wish I could do the same. But here I am, in the Personnel Department."
If you think I'll ask what would you like to do, you're crazy. "Aha." Elizabeth changed the samples in the microscope.
"I don't know why William decided to place me there. I belong to the Marketing Department."
"Maybe it's because we don't have a Marketing Department here," Elizabeth said flatly.
"Yes, I suppose so. But Public Relations could be a good place to exercise my talents."
"I thought you didn't speak Spanish. It would be difficult for you work in that area when you don't know the language."
"I'm learning." He tried to play with a curl of her hair but she immediately pulled away. "But with a good teacher I would learn faster."
Forget it. "I'm sure you'll find one soon."
"I asked William if I could take some lessons but he refused. He can be so careless about the needs of the others sometimes."
I doubt it. "Perhaps he didn't find it necessary." Elizabeth was becoming annoyed with this conversation.
"I've known him for a very long time." George tried to win her confidence. "Since we were children. He never cares about the others, just about himself. I had an offer in another division before this job, a very good one, but he insisted that I should come here and I lost my chance. He just needed me here and didn't care about ruining my career."
"Pity." She changed samples again.
"But a pretty babe like you shouldn't worry about those unpleasant matters."
"No." Don't you have anything else to do?
"Listen." He used his sweetest voice. "I had a very good time the other day at your house. I'd really like to know you better."
Elizabeth raised her eyes from the microscope for the first time. "Thank you, George, It's really nice from you, but I don't think so."
We'll see, dirty bitch. George's smile remained immutable. "Don't make a decision now. Take your time. I'll be waiting."
Elizabeth didn't answer.
"Well, I have to go. I'll see you around." He walked out of the room and closed the door after him.
"Idiot." Elizabeth muttered.
George remained on the other side of the door with a self-confident smile. "When I don't get what I want the smooth way, Lizzy babe, I get it the tough way."
"No, Dad, I don't think we'll move from the budget, Charles negotiated some very good contracts with the construction company and I closed a deal with the Government that reduces the taxes for the next five years if we improve the conditions of the local freeway. As that was on the original plan it means an extra reduction in the expenses." William leaned back on his chair and looked out the window of his office.
"Good, son, you two are doing a great job. The other investors would be very pleased." William's father smiled on the other side of the line.
"Will you come to the cocktail party? The launch is in only two weeks."
"I don't think so. Though I would like to see you and know the place, I have a series of business engagements around that date, and I don't think I'll have 2 or 3 days to spare on that trip."
"You are lying, you just don't want to do a 15 hour flight." William laughed.
"You aren't my son in vain." Mr. Darcy laughed too. "I liked those pictures you e-mailed me. You are very tanned and looking well. It seems that you are not working enough."
"With the weather we have in this place it's impossible not to be tanned. You've seen the great swimming pool we have at the house, we spend almost all Sunday lying there."
"Who is that pretty brunette that is next to you in one of the pictures? She has fabulous legs."
William tensed a little. "I told you in the e-mail, a friend … a neighbor, she works for us, in the lab."
"Oh, yes, I remember." Mr. Darcy sensed that this was a good opportunity to tease his son. "Seems very nice. I suppose she must be prettier in person."
William couldn't hide his smiling tone from his voice. "A beauty. That day she invited us to have lunch at her house. She cooks really well."
"And I guess that cooking is not the only thing she can do well."
William immediately realized that his father was setting him a trap and smiled mischievously. "She does a lot of things very, very well," he said smoothly.
Mr. Darcy grinned on the other extension. "I'd like to hear about them."
"Well," William played with a pencil on his desk, "I don't want to give you many details. It wouldn't be gentlemanlike to reveal them."
"William, you are looking at her with such hunger that I'm sure that any detail you can supply is only part of your imagination." His father laughed at him. "I don't blame you, she is an adorable creature, I just don't understand how is that you didn't ask her out. She is the sister of Charles' girlfriend, isn't she?"
"Dad," now William was really tense, "you know how it is. I don't want to …"
"Son," his father's tone softened, "it's time you do something good with your life other than working. It had been a long time since your divorce and you …"
"Father, I know what I need and a relationship is not in my plans right now, so I will be grateful if no one interferes in my life." He began in a cold tone but then he realized that he was being harsh with his father. "I'm sorry, forgive me. I'll think about it after the launch. Maybe I'll take some time off and try to figure out what I really want."
"No, you forgive me, I shouldn't mess with your life. It has been too painful for you to forget it that easily."
"It's okay." William swallowed hard. "I hope you understand." He was very sensible in this matter and his father sensed it immediately.
"I do. I'll always be here if you need to talk."
"I know that, you've helped me a lot. It's just that I don't think I'm ready." He paused. "Listen, Dad, I have to go. I have a meeting in five minutes and must see some details. I'll call you in a couple of days."
"Take good care of yourself, son." Mr. Darcy realized that he reached his son's limit. "Bye."
"Bye." William hanged the phone and leaned back on the chair.
Frustration and anger came over him as he recalled the most painful moments of his life. He rose and ran an irritated hand through his hair and leaned on the window frame with his eyes fixed on the parking lot, looking out but not seeing. Why was it so difficult to forget about all that? Two years later, it continued to affect him, to haunt him. Why couldn't he go ahead with his life?
This month had been different. Since his arrival he had felt comfortable, at ease, happy. He knew that he was under great pressure with the final setting up of the plant but he didn't mind it, he liked the challenge. But this place had something special. He hadn't thought about that since his arrival, as if it had not happened at all. Was it this place? The people? Elizabeth? Why was he suddenly thinking about her?
Because you have seen a lot of her lately and she is so damn beautiful that would drive any man crazy, that's why.
As he had been doing since the day he met Elizabeth Bennet, William Darcy ignored the dictates of his own heart, shuttering feelings that were begging to be released -begging a man that was unable to hear.
It was already dark when Elizabeth walked to her pick-up that same night. Carrying a small tree that she wanted to plant at home, she fumbled with the keys as she tried to open the door.
"Let me help you with that," William's voice came from behind.
"William!" She exclaimed. "Working late hours?"
He smiled sadly. "So it seems. You shouldn't be working this late." He took the tree from her hands and put it on the back of the pick-up.
"I can't help it." She smiled. "Sometimes I'm so involved that when I realize the time I ..." she paused when she noticed his expression. "Is anything wrong?" she asked, concerned.
"No, just tired." His voice was thick and hoarse.
"William you are not ill, aren't you?" She raised her hand to his cheek.
William closed his eyes and swallowed. "No, I'm fine, just a little tired. Tough day."
Though she knew it wouldn't be proper, she sensed he needed support, and Elizabeth wasn't the kind of person who would turn her back on her friends, crazy about them or not.
"Do you want to come to have dinner at home? I'll make you the best homemade pizza you've ever tried. Jane went out with Charles so we'll have the TV all to ourselves. I don't want to watch the game alone." She finished with a charming pout.
"Who's playing?" The corners of William's mouth twisted up.
"Boca vs. Palmeiras, they'll kill each other." She grinned devilishly.
"I'll follow you."
They entered the house and Elizabeth allowed Attila in. "Jane isn't home so mum will let you inside if you promise not to tell her." She said to the dog and patted his head.
"He is enormous. He must eat quite a lot."
"You can't imagine." She observed how Attila sat beside William and begged for attention as she searched for the ingredients for the pizza. "He likes you. Don't be afraid, he won't bite."
William petted the dog and leaned on the counter. "Do you need any help?"
"No." She turned the oven on and began to knead the pizza. "I can make pizza in less than half an hour. Go to the couch and relax."
"No, I'm fine. I'll help you." He enjoyed watching her working in the kitchen. She was absolutely lovely.
"You can grate the cheese." She gestured the fridge. "Oh, and I need a can of sauce, up there, on the right." She pointed at the cabinet.
William fetched it without even standing on his toes.
"Wow, it's good to have someone so tall and helpful in the kitchen. I have to stand up on a chair to get one of those."
"Call me whenever you need my services." He smiled as the tension and sad memories slowly left him and he began to enjoy the present. "I'll be delighted to help you."
Twenty minutes later she was baking the pizza and they were watching the game, sitting on the couch at a prudent distance, like friends do. As she predicted, the match turned on the aggressive side but Elizabeth wasn't affected at all. William followed the game with interest but he was more captivated with her reactions, as she protested in Spanish with every kick, complaining dramatically with every unfair arbitrage as if she were one of the players.
Suddenly she gasped in horror and bolted out exclaiming 'the pizza!' and ran to the kitchen, an opportunity that was immediately used by Attila to jump over the couch, resting his head on William's leg. With a smile, William relaxed feeling more at home and comfortable than he had been in a long time. He put his hand on the dog's huge head and followed the game. Five minutes later, Elizabeth returned with the pizza and paper napkins, put it on the low table in front of them and, to his surprise, left the dog lying in her place and sat on the floor in front of the TV. He chuckled at her natural and artless manners and followed the rest of the game with an enthusiasm that matched hers, happy for being in her company, happy with not being alone.
Elizabeth looked up at William when the game finished. "Well, did you like it? We won!"
"I'll better go now, it's late." He said with smiling eyes. He rose and helped her to her feet.
They both walked to the car together, each one smiling for their own reasons.
William stopped before opening the door and gazed her tenderly. "I had a great time, Elizabeth. Thank you, you are a wonderful person."
She smiled back. "Thank you."
William drank of her beauty for a long while, not moving, just watching the enchanting woman who was there with him. He leaned down and kissed her cheek softly, a friend's kiss, but that simple touch stirred in him a strange wave of emotions that he wasn't able to discern. He felt her hold her breath at his touch and release it slowly, her perfume was intoxicating him and the velvety skin against his lips sent shivers through his whole body. She was affecting him. Again. Confused by those sudden and unusual feelings and not knowing how to control them, he decided to leave.
"Bye."
Elizabeth watched him go, and felt very, very lonely.
Chapter 15
The little village was in uproar during the weeks prior to the launch of the Compañía Celulosa de Encarnación, as the company was called. Though the plant had been operating at 30% of its capacity in a testing mode for more than a month, the main press still needed adjustments and that threatened to delay the launch programmed in two days time. All in all, the problems were solved and they reached the deadline in time for the grand event.
"How do I look?" Elizabeth checked herself on the mirror.
"Beautiful. That's really your color," Jane answered.
"Don't you think this dress is a little provocative?" Elizabeth tried to adjust her breasts inside the cleavage.
"You look great. Men will drop dead as soon as you arrive."
Elizabeth eyed dubiously at her image. "Jane, this is a business event. I don't want everyone drooling at me Monday morning."
"Liz, dear, that is not a provocative dress, it's just that you are not used to wear something like this."
"Why is that yours doesn't look so audacious?"
"Because it's green, not red."
"Borgogna." Elizabeth corrected.
"Borgogna. Anyway I don't fill it the way you do." Jane looked down at her chest. "I wish I had your tits."
Elizabeth suppressed a mischievous smile. "I don't think Charles has ever complained about them."
"No, actually he ..." Jane gasped when she realized what she was doing. "Elizabeth! You are terrible!"
Elizabeth laughed at her sister's modesty. "Come on, let's hurry up or we'll miss the champagne."
The cocktail party was organized inside the plant, in a large clear area beside the main presses. The place was simply but tastefully decorated with some plants and flowers, there were several tables spread around, a cold buffet and a small stage with microphones ready for the opening speech.
As soon as she entered, Elizabeth saw William's tall figure on the other side of the salon, looking breathtaking in an almost black suit, conversing with Charles and a small group of men who seemed very important. With her stomach still fluttering at the sight of him, she walked with Jane towards the other girls of the office and they immediately began to compare their dresses and exchange gossip about the other work mates.
"It seems that the most beautiful women of the country are gathered here today." George approached them together with Miguel Denny from Security and Guillermo Colina from Sales.
"Hello, guys." Elizabeth's smile was as false as could be.
"Girls, we are planning to go to La Asamblea after the cocktail and have some fun to release the tension. Do you want to come?" Miguel asked.
A few of the girls agreed and Jane, Elizabeth and Emma -William and Charles' secretary-declined, not wanting to interact with the three slimiest men in the company. Much to their discomfort, all three remained around them so as soon as they found an acceptable excuse, they disappeared to mingle among the others.
"Who are those people there?" Elizabeth asked Emma.
"Bankers and Politicians. The bald one is the president of the Banco Nacional de Santo Domingo and the other the Secretary of Industry and Commerce and some of his troupe. The Governor informed that he is arriving in a few minutes so I'll better go and check some things with William."
"William is speaking too?"
"No, Charles will introduce the Governor, in font of the cameras. The local press is here." She pointed at a camera man near the stage.
Emma made her way to William and Charles and it was just then when the men noticed the sisters. William's expression lit up and he nodded politely to them, unable to leave his role of host, but Charles excused himself and went to greet them.
"You two look absolutely stunning." He kissed both ladies' cheeks. "We are trapped with some bigshots right now but as soon as they leave we'll be able to join you."
Right then Charles eyes turned to the entrance and excused himself to greet the Governor and the Mayor, who arrived together. Elizabeth saw how William squared his shoulders and with an intake of breath, walked to receive the important guests. He passed by them and whispered a low 'ravishing' close to Elizabeth's ear that make all her skin tingle and continued with that confident stride of his.
After a few minutes of business and political conversation where the Governor made all the talking, they were ready to make the official opening of the plant. Charles spoke briefly about the investment and the development it generated in the region and introduced the Governor, who made a long and boring speech about the importance of the industrial policy he was implementing in his province and used the opportunity and the assisting media to promote his upcoming campaign. After that, they cut the ribbons and opened the champagne, and the official act was concluded.
An hour later, politicians, guests and bankers left the place and William called the staff and made a brief and informal speech thanking everyone for the tremendous efforts they made during the past weeks, a toast, and then everyone was able to relax and enjoy the remainder of the evening.
"You made a very nice speech." Elizabeth smiled at William.
"That's because he didn't have the cameras on his face as I did," Charles remarked.
"Well, you are the manager, I'm just an auditor from the main office." William chuckled. "You did it great, don't worry. I'll send the tape to your family and they will be able to laugh at you."
Charles laughed. "I'm sure you will. Why don't we all go out to have some dinner? After all, we are all dressed up."
"It's dancing night at La Asamblea and I would prefer something more peaceful." Jane commented with a sideways glance at George and his company.
"You are right," Charles said. "We can go to Misiones, to that lovely restaurant in the old convent."
"Excellent."
The gentlemen escorted the ladies to the parking lot and they parted to Misiones in the Rover after dropping Elizabeth's pick up at the farm. Charles did the driving as William didn't want to risk everyone's life driving on a freeway on the wrong side of the road.
"William, when are you returning to England?" Jane asked from the front seat.
That innocent question caught him off guard. He shot a quick look at Elizabeth (who was waiting expectantly for his reply) and stammered a reply. "I … I haven't scheduled anything yet. I … I suppose I'll stay for another month."
Charles laughed. "The truth is that Will is feeling so at home here that he doesn't know if he wants to go back." Then he looked at Jane and touched her cheek. "I know I want to stay here forever."
William immediately looked down and then outside the window as his mind reeled at an incredible speed. The thought that he had to leave this place anytime in the future haven't crossed his mind during the past weeks. When he arrived, he had planned to stay for a couple of months until things were running smoothly and make an occasional trip to control the operation of the investment. He had even projected that Charles would return too at some point and they would find a local replacement, but now returning home wasn't anymore a distant possibility, it was a real fact and he wasn't sure he liked it.
He stole a glance at Elizabeth. She was looking outside the window with slight frown. What did that mean? That she was upset that he was going away? Was he upset because he was leaving? Because he was leaving this place or leaving her?
At that moment Elizabeth turned and caught him staring. She smiled faintly and looked down, biting her lip. William smiled back and briefly touched her hand as he tried to put some order in the confusion in which he was now immersed. She was sitting there, by his side, at his reach, surrounded by that dark magic that the night provided, looking ever so beautiful, when he realized that in only a few weeks, he would never see her again.
Chapter 16
March 12. Elizabeth's Birthday.
A big party was organized at the Bennet's farm that Thursday night with the presence of almost all the family (25 people), friends and work colleagues. It was not every day that someone turned 28 years old.
William, Charles and George (who was invited just because he lived with the other two) arrived after they changed from their office clothes into a more comfortable outfit. They parked outside and entered the house as the door was opened. There were people everywhere, in the living room, garden, front-yard, kitchen, etc.
"You finally made it." Jane greeted them as she appeared from the kitchen. "The house is a complete chaos, our family is really big."
"Where's Elizabeth?" Charles asked after a quick hug and kiss.
"Outside, in the garden."
William immediately walked in that direction and spotted her near the grill talking to Eduardo and Kitty. Elizabeth saw him coming and excused herself from the others and met him halfway.
"Happy Birthday." William kissed her cheek and embraced her.
"Thank you." Elizabeth pulled back to look at him but remained in his arms.
He smiled down at her and was bewitched by those bright eyes illuminated by the moon, and felt strong need to kiss her properly. For a fraction of a second he thought he wouldn't be able to control it, but he did. He stroked her back before releasing her, with the kiss still choking in his throat.
"Here." He gave her a small box.
Elizabeth took the box from his hands with anticipation and ripped the wrapping, much to William's amazement.
"It's for luck," she mumbled.
She opened the box and gasped when she saw gold pendant with a pearl, in the shape of a drop. It was beautiful. She looked at him with teary eyes.
"Thank you. It's beautiful. I …" She was speechless. Moved by an impulse, she raised to her toes, kissed his cheek and embraced his neck tightly.
Now it was William's turn to be overwhelmed. His hands instinctively went to her waist and he closed his eyes, his lips desperate to brush her skin. He swallowed hard and felt so tense that he thought he would explode. Had not been interrupted at that moment by Charles arrival, he would have drowned in those lips and kissed his soul away.
"Liz! Happy Birthday!" Charles hugged her and kissed her cheek. "This is for you." He handed her a small bag.
"Thank you, Charles, it's lovely!" She pulled out a silk scarf. "Jane, will you help me with this?" Elizabeth handed her the pendant.
Jane gasped. "It's beautiful! Who ..." She looked at William, who instantly dropped his eyes to his shoes.
Elizabeth raised her hair over her head and turned around as Jane fastened the chain around her neck; her eyes locked with William's.
"Liz, dear." A middle aged lady with a certain resemblance to Jane approached them and talked to Elizabeth in Spanish. "There isn't any orange juice and I can't find that cheap maid of yours."
"Mother," Elizabeth introduced her, "these are William Darcy and Charles Bingley from Celulosa." She paused. "This is my mother, Alicia."
"So you two are the charming men I'm always hearing about!" Mrs. Bennet put her hands dramatically on her chest and the girls rolled their eyes. "Boys, you two are really handsome!"
Both men smiled and said a polite 'how do you do'.
"You must be Charles, Jane told me so much about you that I think I'm ready to adopt you. And Mr. Darcy, or should I call you William?" She didn't wait for a response. "I heard quite a lot about you too. Oh my! You are so tall! Liz, you didn't say he was so tall."
Elizabeth bit her lip. "No, mum."
"Mrs. Bennet, Jane told me you live in Santo Domingo city," Charles said.
"Cut that Mrs. Bennet crap and call me Alicia, my dear. Yes, I moved to the city with my sister when my husband died." Her eyes filled with tears but she recovered immediately. "Too many memories, you know, and the girls needed some space, after all, they are old enough. So ... well, enough of me. I'll leave you young people to enjoy yourselves and go join the other fossils to exchange some gossip. It was a pleasure to meet you. Liz, darling, go and see what that whore you call maid is doing. I'm sure that she is doing anything but working. Now excuse me." And she left in the same flurry she arrived in.
Elizabeth smiled apologetically and left to the kitchen, leaving the others to talk about hurricane Alicia.
She entered the kitchen, looked around and peered into the living room searching for Lydia and didn't find her. With an exasperated sigh, she went to the refrigerator to get some juice when she heard some muffled laughs coming from the laundry room beside the kitchen.
"Lydia?" she frowned.
A soft gasp followed by some hurried noises and a flushed Lydia appeared from inside laundry room followed by George, who was conveniently carrying a pack of beers.
"You were running out of cold beer and these are heavy." George smiled nervously.
"Hi, George." She smiled falsely. "Lydia, please take orange juice and cold beers outside, now."
George was about to wish her happy birthday when she turned and left.
The party was very lively and noisy. After serving the 'lomitos' that Anselmo prepared on the grill, Eduardo put the music louder and the dancing began. Everyone, even the old fossils, were shaking their bones with the rhythm of the music and having the time of their lives.
Mrs. Bennet, like her daughters, proved to be a spirited and graceful dancer and even pulled Charles into the dance floor and gave him a few lessons in Latin music dancing. Elizabeth danced all night through, with almost all the men at the party, young or old. For his part, William remained aside, trying to decipher his feelings for her and secretly admiring the beautiful woman that was slowly taking hold of his heart. After many hours of fun and diversion the guests began to leave.
When the men returned to the house it was past 3.00 in the morning. Charles and George went to bed immediately but William remained wandering around for a while, still at loss from the volley of emotions that assaulted him this night.
He was so confused. He had a great time tonight but still something was puzzling him. It was Elizabeth. She was driving him crazy again, constantly. When he first met her, he was completely dazzled and infatuated by her. Yes, it would be stupid to deny it, what man wouldn't be, she was absolutely delightful. But then his feelings turned into different direction. He began to care about her, she became a friend. He cared about her as friends do. Elizabeth was his friend. A good friend. A very beautiful and sexy good friend, nothing else.
Then, why was he feeling this way? Why this desperate need to kiss her and love her? Why was he thinking about her when she wasn't there? It couldn't be love, no. He wouldn't make that mistake again. He couldn't risk exposing himself to that suffering. Was it infatuated friendship?
"Infatuated friendship. I never heard anything so stupid," he muttered to himself. "Maybe I just need to get laid."
Unable to clear the fog in which his brain was immerse, he went to the office they had at the house to check his mail in his laptop. He was a little surprised to find it turned on, as he didn't remember using it during the past several days. Without paying much attention to what he was doing, he clicked on the screen and the web site of The Florida Citrus Company appeared.
"What the hell is this?" He raised his eyebrows.
He checked the history bar and found one site from Brazil and one from Argentina that were related to industrial production of oranges, grapefruits and tangerines. The rest were porno sites.
"I'll change the password. If you want to see pornography, George, buy yourself a magazine."
Chapter 17
It was too hot to sleep. William rose from his bed and walked to the window, trying to refresh his body with the night breeze. Every form in the garden was illuminated by the full moon. An owl passed flying silently and draw circles over the bushes. His eyes followed the acrobatic flight over the garden until they finally rested on the shining surface of the pool. That was a sight too alluring to be ignored.
I can't sleep anyway, it's hot as hell.
He descended the stairs silently, not wanting to wake up the other occupants of the house and went the garden. The crickets were singing loudly to the moon, clamoring for a delayed rain, filling the night with their magical music. Magnetized by the reflection of the moon on the surface, he reached the pool and tried the water with his foot. It was warm. Warm as the night. He didn't think about it, he removed his boxers and dived in. Revived and refreshed, he swam two lengths under the water and reached the end gasping for air.
And there she was. He cleared the water from his eyes and looked back. She was still there, a vision dressed in silk and white, illuminated by the moon. Beautiful, bewitching. Without taking his eyes from her figure, he climbed out of the pool and walked to her, his wet body shining under the moonlight. She was holding his stare with that impertinent smile of hers. He didn't stop to think. He took her face in his hands and satiated his thirst for her in a maddening long and hungry kiss. His hands pressed her against his wet body and roamed wildly over every curve, discovering, caressing, possessing. He had to have her. With his mouth fastened over hers, he encircled her waist and lowered her to the ground.
"Your nightgown is all wet," he muttered as he leaned over her as he ran his mouth along her neck.
Without saying a word, she took his face in her hands and pulled him closer, her mouth and tongue consuming his. William pulled back just enough to remove her silk nightgown.
G*d, she is beautiful!
He moved his body over hers and drowned once again in her lips. Before he could realize how or when, he was inside her, moving rhythmically, breathing, searching, finding. And she was looking at him, eyes wide open, panting, urging him to go on, to love her under the moonlight.
And then she changed. She bit her lip and arched her body and she moved her head to one side. Tension. She was close, he could feel it. He deepened his thrusts and increased his pace. She raised her hands and cupped his face.
"Love me, William. Love me," she begged.
His face contorted in a grimace and moved even faster as the tension in his whole body became unbearable.
"Elizabeth, I lo…"
William bolted up in bed, gasping for air.
"Good G*d!"
He ran his hand to through his face as he struggled to control his breathing. William rose and walked to the bathroom, covered in sweat and with heart beating madly. He splashed water on his face and leaned on the sink, his legs still shaking because of the dream.
"That woman is driving me crazy."
William walked to his room and leaned on the window. It was almost 6, almost dawn. It didn't make any sense to go back to bed now, he wouldn't be able to sleep anyway, so he dressed and went to the kitchen to make some breakfast.
"William!" Charles was surprised to find him up when he entered the kitchen. "You don't have insomnia again, do you?" He frowned.
"Good morning, Charles." He rose his eyes from the newspaper. "No, I'm fine. I woke up early, that's all. Are you going to pick Jane up?"
"Yes. I'll go for her at 7.30. We have a three hour drive to the falls." He poured himself some coffee. "George is still here?"
William rolled his eyes. "No. Denny came for him 20 minutes ago. They went fishing somewhere up the Paraná. If I'm fortunate enough, they'll find some piranhas and he may never return."
Charles smiled behind his mug. "I'd better go. Have a nice and peaceful weekend." He rose and picked up his bag.
William walked him to the door. "Enjoy yourselves." He smiled. "Bye."
By noon, William was bored to death. Not that he wasn't used to being alone. He had been living alone the last two years since he divorced Caroline but, since he arrived to Encarnación, weekends had been different. Riding with Elizabeth, gnocchi, asados, football games, always something to do in very pleasant company.
He closed the book he was reading and tried the TV. Just old movies and telethons. The remote flew to the other end of the couch and he walked to the garden. A mowing machine could be heard far away. He smiled. Elizabeth must be working in her garden, in that red bikini of hers, her body shining with perspiration.
He shook his head to clear his lascivious thoughts. "William, you really need to get laid."
Again in the kitchen, he prepared a sandwich and dropped himself on the couch. Remote in hand, he scanned all the channels searching for something interesting to watch. Nothing. Just Tarzan played by Johnny Weissmüller and a German telethon. Not even a damn football game. Still lying on the couch, he closed his eyes and images of last night dream came to his mind again.
Now he was bored and aroused.
He looked at the phone and thought about calling her but he dismissed it immediately. It wouldn't be wise now, not in his present state. At that moment there was a knock on the door. He dropped the remote and walked to the door, finding the object of his thoughts standing there.
"Elizabeth. What a surprise," William said with a smile.
"Hello." She grinned. "I wasn't sure if you were home, so I took a chance and came. I brought you something." She handed him a package.
"What's this?" He smiled crookedly.
"Open it."
William opened the package and chuckled when saw a belt made of the skin of a snake. It was a very fine work.
"The snake that almost killed Will Darcy, isn't it?" He grinned broadly.
"Yes. Do you like it?" She bit her lip.
"Yes, it is beautiful. Thank you. Do you want to come in?"
"I don't know." She hesitated. Upon seeing William's lost-puppy expression she smiled. "All, right. Just for a second. You're probably busy."
"No, quite the contrary."
She walked into the house and looked around. "So, are you alone for the weekend?"
"So it seems."
Elizabeth began to feel uncomfortable for being alone in the house with him. Not that she feared him, in fact, she wanted to be with him, but her instincts were telling her that it wasn't a good idea to stay much longer. She walked ahead of him and felt his eyes burning holes in her back.
"Do you want something to drink? Coffee? Tea?" Me? William followed close behind as images of her in a white silk nightgown danced in his mind.
"Water, thank you."
They walked into the kitchen and William served her a glass of water. He leaned on the counter, with his arms crossed over his chest, a half smile on his lips and his eyes devouring her as she emptied the glass. He wanted her, there was no denying it. Elizabeth remained silent, looking around the spacious kitchen. She needed to find something to talk about or she was going to combust in about a minute.
"You must be bored, being here all by yourself."
William's eyes didn't leave hers. "Not now."
"You were watching TV?" She gestured the living room. "I think there is a good movie today."
"Not exactly." He began to move slowly in her direction.
Elizabeth felt like a sheep trapped by a wolf, ready to be eaten. "I … I think I should go." She felt her temperature rising.
"So soon?" His hand went to her hair and played with her curls.
"Yes. I don't want to interrupt whatever you are doing." She was looking everywhere but at his face.
"Please, stay a little longer."
Elizabeth nodded and felt every hair of her body bristling. She knew what he was about to do and she was not sure if she wanted it to happen or not.
"All right. It's … It's a nice day, we can go to the garden. Or … watch some TV." She met his eyes and swallowed. He was so close that she could feel his breathing on her face.
Many ideas were playing on William's mind, but Tarzan wasn't in them. She was standing there, too close for propriety, and she was not moving away.
"Elizabeth, you are beautiful."
William leaned down and she closed her eyes in anticipation. His lips met hers fully, completely, without hesitancy. And she accepted them, in the same way. Breathing against him, she admitted his tongue to play with hers, she allowed his hands to secure her face and neck and returned the sweet probing of his mouth. Of course he didn't stop there. Knowing he was being welcomed, he wrapped his arms around her until her small body was lost inside his strong frame, reaching out for him too.
William's kiss was everything but chaste. It was passionate, insistent, demanding. It was telling her that he wanted her, that he would have her-and she was saying yes. No further invitation required, his hands pressed her wholly against his body, almost lifting her from the ground. She could feel his hard abdomen against her, his jeans rubbing into her stomach, his body pushing her back until her retreat was stopped by the counter. Now that he had her supported, he released his weight over her. His mouth left hers to search her throat and neck. She was driving him crazy and she knew it, and every kiss and every caress were sending him closer to the edge.
An involuntary sigh escaped Elizabeth's lips as her fingers caressed his hair. G*d, this is heaven.
William was completely out of control. He couldn't understand what was happening to him. He had never felt this way nor he had needed anyone so badly. He lifted her a little so that her hips were leveled with his and thrust against her decidedly. But it was then Elizabeth's instinct of preservation sent her the first signals.
"William," she breathed against his hair, "we shouldn't be doing this."
He grazed her neck and shoulders as his hand slid from her ribs to her breast. "Why?"
Elizabeth gasped. "It is not right." She closed her eyes and buried her fingers in his hair, holding him tightly against her. "We … work together. And ... I am not used to this."
William's voice was hoarse against her throat. "We are grown ups. Please …"
Elizabeth moaned as his mouth covered hers with renewed hunger, and she stopped trying to resist him. She was feeling hot and cold, her skin was shivering under his hands and her insides were melting. He was everywhere over her, igniting and tempting her so precisely that she couldn't control her own reactions. His hand slipped inside her blouse and teased her nipple over the lace of her bra, drawing small circles and searching for the soft skin of her breast. Once again she heard the alarm. With tremulous voice, Elizabeth made her last attempt to stop him, knowing she would fail, because it wasn't what she really wanted.
"William," she murmured against his hair as her hands wandered around his back and sides, "I haven't done this in years. I can't ... I ..." She kissed him fiercely. "Please don't play with my feelings." I am crazy about you. "Please don't break my heart."
"I will never hurt you."
Completely lost in the fog of his own desire, William continued his advance and answered without registering what she said, without even trying to understand what she meant. His mind and body were concentrated in having her, being with her and taking her, regardless of the consequences, regardless of everything.
Elizabeth's mind reeled at such speed that her capacity for reasoning was lost in the turmoil William was producing. The defenses that she built around herself for years collapsed when she admitted she was fighting an already lost battle. As William's actions made his intentions more evident with every second and every move, Elizabeth's will was fighting between surrendering to the dictates of her body and heart or listening to her rational mind. They were just acquaintances, he was her boss, they were not even dating, she didn't know what he felt for her, if he would take her seriously; and she was falling madly in love with him. She was sure she would regret this later, staying or not. If she stayed he could break her heart with just one blink, and if she didn't, she would hate herself for missing this only chance of making love with the man in her arms. William Darcy was too powerful to be ignored and she wanted to be with him, she wanted to know how it felt to be his, for better or for worse, right or wrong, consequences or not, she wanted to stay with the man she loved.
And she did.